Device for training a sequence of movements

Abstract

A device ( 10 ) for training a sequence of movements for ball hitting implements ( 18 ), especially golf clubs and baseball bats, permits monitoring the observance of the correct sequence of movements. The monitoring device acts upon the implement ( 18 ) and the user. The device permits the individual user to be in a position to check whether a sequence of movement is being correctly performed, while he or she is executing the sequence of movements and to correct it if necessary.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A monitoring device for training a correct sequence of movements for ball-hitting implements, comprising: 
       first and second component parts;  
       a detachable connection between adjacent axial ends of said first and second component parts;  
       a force means connecting said component parts for relative axial movement therebetween and axially biasing said component parts toward one another;  
       a fixing mechanism, coupled to said first component part, for attaching said first component part to single upper arm of a user at a fixed distance; and  
       a clamp, coupled to said second component part, for securing a ball hitting implement to said second component part at a fixed distance;  
       whereby maintenance of the correct sequence of user movements with the implement can be monitored by joining and separating of said first and second component parts with and against biasing of said force means, respectively.  
     
     
       2. A monitoring device according to  claim 1  wherein 
       said first and second component parts transmit at least one of an acoustic signal and an optical signal to the user during monitoring of the sequence of movements with the implement; and  
       the sequence of movements is divisible unto into at least an initial phase, a hitting phase and an end phase.  
     
     
       3. A monitoring device according to  claim 2  wherein 
       the first and second component parts indicate a start and an end of the hitting phase by an acoustic signal, and permit monitoring by an optical signal during the sequence of movements.  
     
     
       4. A monitoring device according to  claim 1  wherein 
       said forces means always biases said first and second component parts toward engagement with one another; and  
       adjustment means, coupled to said component parts, varies a preset biasing force of said force means.  
     
     
       5. A monitoring device according to  claim 1  wherein 
       said force means comprises at least one magnet coupled to at least one of said component parts.  
     
     
       6. A monitoring device according to  claim 5  wherein 
       adjustment means, coupled to said components varies a preset biasing force of said magnet by varying relative spacing of said first and second component parts.  
     
     
       7. A monitoring device according to  claim 1  wherein 
       a connecting means joins said first and second component parts in all relative positions thereof, and is part of said force means in biasing said component parts toward one another.  
     
     
       8. A monitoring device according to  claim 7  wherein 
       guide means, coupled to said component parts, maintain axial alignment of said component parts.  
     
     
       9. A monitoring device according to  claim 1  wherein 
       said first and second component parts are relatively rigid.  
     
     
       10. A monitoring device according to  claim 1  wherein 
       said fixing mechanism and said clamp are rotatably coupled to opposite axial ends of said first and second component parts, respectively.  
     
     
       11. A monitoring device according to  claim 1  wherein 
       first and second rings are attached to said adjacent axial ends of said first and second component parts, respectively.  
     
     
       12. A monitoring device according to  claim 11  wherein 
       said rings are formed of metal.  
     
     
       13. A monitoring device according to  claim 1  wherein 
       said force means comprising an elastic cord extending through and between said component parts.  
     
     
       14. A monitoring device according to  claim 1  wherein 
       first and second metal rings are attached to adjacent ends of said first and second component parts, respectively; and  
       said first and second component parts comprise first and second base bodies, respectively, said second base body having a connecting piece extending through said rings and abutting said first base body to define a minimum separation between said base bodies.  
     
     
       15. A monitoring device according to  claim 14  wherein 
       a magnet is mounted in said second metal ring.  
     
     
       16. A monitoring device according to  claim 15  wherein 
       said first metal ring is adjustably coupled to said first base body to vary spacing between said first metal ring and said magnet when said component parts are joined.  
     
     
       17. A monitoring device according to  claim 1  wherein 
       said component parts are tapered in directions away from said adjacent axial ends.